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XIENG KHOUANG The province’s new museum brings ancient mysteries back to life. TEXT BY ROSS CORBETT PHOTOGRAPHS BY THE XIENG KHOUANG PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION, CULTURE, AND TOURISM
MORE INFO Nghe An Friendship Road (109.76 mi), Phonsavan open weekdays 9 am –4 pm facebook.com/ xiengkhouangmuseum
O
pened in late 2018, the Xieng Khouang Provincial Museum has already been described as ‘one of the best in Southeast Asia’. After a good look around, it’s easy to see why; the place is full of stories, artifacts, exhibits, displays, and short movies that will keep you captivated and intrigued.
Yes, this place tells the history of Xieng Khouang – a tale of almost incessant wars, the former seat of the Phuan Kingdom, of peaceful and not so peaceful migration with China, Vietnam and Thailand, with trade routes crisscrossing the plateau that continue today, and mysteries such as the megalithic Plain of Jars – nominated for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Located just a short tuk-tuk ride from Phonsavan’s town centre, it takes up two floors of an impressive Lao style building, carefully renovated to house the new exhibitions and displays. The museum’s aim is to become a cultural hub – a beating heart – where locals, school kids, tourists, and international archaeologists can immerse themselves in the history and stories of Xieng Khouang, which, up until now, were not easily accessible.
